Distin wary of continental qualification

Everton ace not thrilled by Europa League prospect

Sylvain Distin has revealed that the prospect of his Everton side qualifying for the Europa League is not one that fills him with joy.

The Toffees have spent much of the season in the hunt for a top four slot and a spot in the Champions League, but over the course of the last month they have slipped away from the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal who occupy the relevant qualification places.

Despite their sunning last gasp win on Saturday, the Merseyside club are nine points from securing spot in the continent’s top club competition, and look to be more on course to enter the second tier of European action.

Although the prospect of Everton being able to take on top foreign opponents, Distin believes that the Europa League could be harmful to the team’s prospects next season:

“It’s mixed feelings because you can’t say no to playing in Europe. As a player it’s impossible to not want that.” He told the Liverpool Echo.

“But it’s completely different from the Champions League in terms of finances for the club. It’s a lot of travel and you need a big squad.

“Yes it would be amazing for the club and for the fans to be travelling back in Europe again.

“But for the team, if we’re not going to have a much bigger squad next season, it could be tough.

“If you look at the big picture, as I say it’s important you’ve got to ensure that being in the Europa League doesn’t make you suffer back in the league.

“When you play every Thursday and come back on the Friday before playing again on the Sunday it is hard.”

Swansea are seen as an example of the dangers of the competition, with the South Wales outfit having found the balance of European football and domestic responsibilities difficult this campaign after Capital One Cup victory secured their spot in the competition.